§ MR. L. HASLAM (Monmouth Boroughs)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the question whether the enactment of a measure compelling the adoption of a metric system of weights and measures would prove to be of great economic advantage to the public, and in consideration that the subject will probably be discussed in Parliament in the near future, he will consider whether it is advisable, as a first step towards a solution of the question, to institute an inquiry as to the practicability and advisability of introducing such system in all dealings with and undertakings of all Government factories and departments.
(Answered by Mr. Kearley.) The Board of Trade made, some years ago, inquiries on the point raised by my hon. friend and were advised that it would be undesirable that such a departure from general trade practice in this country should be made by Government Departments and factories. They see no reason to alter this conclusion.